Intergenerational Manifesto 2021

THE HAVEN

Manifesto 2

Our vision is for a Scotland where different

generations are more connected, and

everyone can build relationships that help to

create a fairer society.

This manifesto has been developed through a

dialogue with our members and partners. It is

supported by research evidence and the

experiences of intergenerational projects and

practitioners in Scotland and around the

world.

The Manifesto starts from the assumption that

intergenerational relationships, activities, and

initiatives can make a positive contribution to

Scotland, its people, and its communities. It

focuses on creating a ‘policy and practice’

environment that has the potential to

maximise the impact these activities have.

It will take longer than a five-year

parliamentary cycle to deliver fully on some of

our asks, however, we believe that the next

Scottish Parliament can lay the foundations for

longer-term development and make progress

with all our proposed actions.

Generations Working Together is calling on Scotland to become an intergenerational

nation by 2030. Our manifesto for the 2021 Scottish Government Election:

▪ identifies three areas that we believe the Scottish Government elected for

2021 – 2026, and all elected Members of the Scottish Parliament should focus

on to help ensure that relationships between generations are strengthened and

Scotland becomes more connected and inclusive.

▪ makes fifteen specific calls for action, which we believe would help the nation

to make significant progress towards becoming an intergenerational nation and

improve the quality of life for Scots of all ages.

At a time when international

and intergenerational solidarity

is needed the most, we

express our deep concern

over the escalation of ageism,

including age discrimination

and stigmatization of older

persons, which aggravate their

vulnerabilities.

We also recognize that

solidarity between generations

at all levels, within families,

communities, and nations, is

fundamental for the

achievement of a society for

all ages.”

-United Nations 2020

Asks & Actions 3

2

▪ Intergenerational Heroes (Champions)

– establish Intergenerational Heroes in all

governmental and public bodies (National

and Local)

▪ Intergenerational Fairness – ensure

that policymakers at all levels of

Government (National and Local) evaluate

the impact of policy on the wellbeing and

interests of all generations, including future

generations who don’t have a voice in the

political process

▪ Integration of Intergenerational

Approaches – give consideration as a

matter of routine to the added value which

intergenerational approaches can bring to

all areas of policy (and service delivery) at

national and local levels

▪ Intergenerational Governing

Bodies – ensure that there is appropriate

representation from all generations in the

governance of all public sector bodies

▪ Intergenerational Engagement –

ensure that there is an intergenerational

dimension to public and community

engagement activity

▪ Spatial Planning – ensure that Scotland

has a planning structure that enables the

development of communities to support

intergenerational contact and engagement

▪ Intergenerational Living – promote

and support intergenerational

developments and initiatives that enhance

Scotland’s housing provision

(intergenerational villages, intergenerational

housing projects, intergenerational care

villages, intergenerational living initiatives)

▪ Public Space – encourage the

development of civic and public spaces that

can be used by all generations and are

conducive to contact and the development

of relationships between people from

different generations (town centres, parks,

gardens, green infrastructure)

▪ Learning Spaces – promote and support

the establishment of intergenerational

hubs/learning spaces in education

establishments

1 Embed intergenerational approaches in governance and policy making

Create more intergenerational places and spaces

JAYBEES NURSERY

Asks & Actions 4

▪ Combatting Ageism - deliver a national

campaign to challenge ageism and build

trust and respect between generations.

▪ Challenge Ageism in School – embed

learning on age and ageing well in the

curriculum and ensuring all children and

young people experience intergenerational

learning as part of the Broad General

Education.

▪ Professional Learning – embed

intergenerational learning in graduate and

post-graduate training of key education,

health, and social care professionals and

promote/support post-qualifying

professional learning opportunities.

▪ Workplace Learning – promote and

support intergenerational learning

initiatives that contribute to economic

recovery and development.

▪ Research – commission and support

research to increase understanding of the

contributions that intergenerational

initiatives and relationships can make to

the quality of individual lives, community

inclusion, and cohesion.

▪ Improving practice – commission the

development of practical tools and

frameworks that help to drive

improvement in intergenerational practice.

3 Increase knowledge and understanding of intergenerational approaches

EYEMOUTH HIGH SCHOOL

The need for an intergenerational nation 5

Why do we need an

intergenerational nation?

Generations Working Together is a national

charity and centre of excellence that fights

ageism and campaigns for stronger

connections between younger and older

generations. We have been championing

intergenerational connections since 2007.

Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, it

has become obvious that, more than ever, we

must connect generations.

The pandemic has highlighted that we are

reliant on our communities and many people

have experienced increased loneliness and

isolation. The pandemic has meant that we

have lived through death, disease, and physical

distancing from our loved ones. However, we

have also witnessed an incredible show of

kindness between younger and older people

coming together to support each other in the

community, building new relationships, trust

and respect and strengthening connections

between all ages. We want to ensure that

these connections are not lost and that

Scotland is better prepared to tackle

loneliness, isolation, and ageism as a nation.

The risk of loneliness and isolation

If Scotland is to become an intergenerational

nation, the Scottish Government must take

decisive action and work closely with the

public, private, and third sector organisations

to embed intergenerational practice into all

levels of our society. Scotland's population is

continuing to age, with a 50% increase in over

60s projected by 2033. If we fail to act, we risk

creating a country where both younger and

older people become increasingly isolated.

With an increase in negative media stories

pitting generations against each other, ageism

will continue to rise.

Our communities today live in silos segregated

by age, with most only having friends from

their own generation. This has been further

impacted by Covid-19 with increased numbers

of people living in isolation with little or no

family support and no digital access,

equipment, knowledge or confidence in device

use. One way to tackle this is to connect

generations through programmes and projects

where relationships are encouraged. However,

this will not happen without the support of

people like our Intergenerational Heroes that

call for and help build connections. Research

50% Scotland’s population is continuing to age, with a 50% increase in over 60s projected by 2033.

GANGSTA GRANNIES

The need for an intergenerational nation 6

has shown that intergenerational connections

help tackle ageism, loneliness, and ill health.

Academics agree that bringing generations

together can improve our wellbeing, feelings of

safety, as well as bringing new skills and

friendships. Evidence highlights that having no

intergenerational connections can contribute

to a lack of understanding of the ageing

process, age stereotypes and prejudices, and

lack of new skills and information.

Being connected to different generations is

vital when our society becomes disjointed and

the levels of loneliness and isolation increase.

Loneliness and isolation are part of our mental

health and wellbeing and the Campaign to End

Loneliness report highlights that if this is not

tackled, we risk increased mental health issues.

The report also highlights that older people

need more support to tackle loneliness.

Intergenerational projects that specifically

support people who have dementia, have been

very successful, such as those organised by

Anam Cara Respite Centre in Ayrshire and

Crannog Care Home in Glasgow. In both

projects, older people have been supported by

friendships, life storybooks, and shared

activities that are impactful for all ages. The

potential of these projects on health and

wellbeing cannot be underestimated.

Embed Intergenerational Approaches in

Governance and Policy Making

Bringing generations together is not only fun,

cost-effective, and rewarding for all involved, it

is vital to ensure our communities stay

connected and people feel less isolated and

lonely. When people from different

generations get together, there is the potential

to address some of the biggest issues of our

time. From healthcare reform, climate change,

inequality, and political instability, investing in

an intergenerational approach will deliver

dividends across the policy spectrum. The

Scottish Government has recognised the

global climate emergency and the impact on

younger generations as a result of Covid-19, so

1 in 2 Care home residents have depression or symptoms of depression. Intergenerational activities demonstrate that as an intervention, they lift the spirits of residents and are an effective way to respond to loneliness.

Source: Apples and Honey Nightingale TREASURE ISLAND NURSERY

The need for an intergenerational nation 7

let’s ensure that both younger and older

people are involved in finding the solutions to

these.

The focus on intergenerational practice

becomes more urgent as our societies age and

demand for health and social care services

increase. Individual schools, a council, or a

single charity cannot do this alone, it is

therefore essential for people to network,

create strong partnerships, and build trust

with organisations from sectors who they may

not necessarily have had contact with

previously.

These measures will work if aided by

Intergenerational Heroes across the country

who are inspiring and working to improve the

quality of intergenerational work in their local

areas.

We need to recognise the importance of

accredited intergenerational training to ensure

good practice. Our members highlight that this

is especially important in rural communities

that have higher rates of loneliness. By creating

an intergenerational nation, Scotland would

become a global leader in intergenerational

practice and research, joining other nations

such as America, Northern Ireland, and Spain,

ensuring our nation cares about the wellbeing

of all ages of citizens and our future.

Intergenerational initiatives support people of

all ages. Younger generations can become

successful learners, confident individuals,

responsible citizens, and effective contributors.

These capacities are central to Scotland’s

Curriculum for Excellence. Intergenerational

relationships create pillars of support,

friendships, build trust, respect and

connections which can improve the nation’s

health and wellbeing.

Intergenerational relationships have the

potential to create wellbeing and happiness

beyond measuring GDP. The need for this in

Scotland has already been highlighted. The

commitment to wellbeing has increased with

our collective experience of the pandemic,

with the Towards a Robust, Resilient

Wellbeing Economy report highlighting that

the challenges of a post-Covid-19 world will

include factors such as unemployment, which

significantly reduce our collective wellbeing as

a nation.

More Intergenerational

Places and Spaces

A truly intergenerational space is one where

both younger and older people feel

comfortable and safe enough to build

relationships, and where ageism is significantly

reduced. During our Build an Intergenerational

Nation event, members reported that spaces

and places were key to developing a true

intergenerational nation. Covid-19 restrictions

have shown that the redesign of spaces may be

necessary to enable us to engage with each

other in safe and new ways. This presents an

opportunity to ensure that our new

environments are welcoming to different

generations and offers opportunities to spend

more time together. The increase in hours for

Early Learning and Childcare provides a

significant opportunity for the private and

public sector to create and redesign co-located

spaces such as Apples and Honey Nightingale

in London, and Wee Mac’s outdoor

intergenerational nursery in Inverness.

The need for an intergenerational nation 8

Ageism has a detrimental effect on our society,

Age UK found that, in Britain, being old is

considered younger than in many other

countries and purposefully mixing generations

reduces stigma and ageism. This is supported

by academics who claim that sustained contact

between people of different ages, religions, or

socioeconomic backgrounds results in greater

understanding.

Shared intergenerational spaces not only bring

communities together but are also extremely

cost-effective and beneficial to the

environment. A Generations United survey in

2018 found that, instead of costing more,

intergenerational spaces could save money,

share staff and resources such as transport,

benefiting the organisation. It is relevant to

note, especially in light of Covid-19, that

intergenerational spaces can be delivered safely

online. Investment in digital devices,

intergenerational training and connection can

and should be encouraged to bring younger

and older people together online.

We welcome the commitment to digital

innovation in the Protecting Scotland,

Renewing Scotland 2020 report. However, we

would encourage organisations, local

authorities and the Scottish Government to

incorporate a strong intergenerational element

to any plans.

Intergenerational spaces have a lower staff turnover rate,

26% compared to the industry average of 65-85%

Source: Generations United, 2019

GENERATIONS WORKING TOGETHER CONFERENCE, 2019

The need for an intergenerational nation 9

Scotland needs to invest in

intergenerational learning and research

Intergenerational practice is often viewed as a

nice ‘add-on’ in our community, rather than a

tool for change. Academic research has been

undertaken internationally and television

documentaries such as ‘Old School with the

Hairy Bikers’, and ‘Older People’s Homes for

Four Year Olds’ have produced encouraging

evidence. However, to encourage deeper

thinking into intergenerational practice, we

need to invest more time, funding resources

into research in Scotland.

Generations Working Together has witnessed

first-hand the positive impact of the

understanding intergenerational practice can

make and therefore calls on teachers, health

workers and community leaders to increase

their learning, knowledge, and confidence

around what builds strong intergenerational

relationships.

Generations Working Together share and

encourage intergenerational research.

Architects, care staff, students, and academics

are interested in taking part in further studies

however, this needs to be supported and

funded by partners including the public, private

and voluntary sectors and government.

Older and younger generations living in

Scotland deserve the very best. We believe

fostering better relationships between

generations can go a significant way to

increasing the quality of life for all. With

support and commitment from of all political

parties we can make change happen. With

relatively modest investment in finance,

training, research and commitment we can

make Scotland recognised across the world as

a leader in intergenerational practice.

We are relying on your support to make

Scotland the world’s first intergenerational

nation.

RAPLOCH COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP

Endnotes 10

▪ A Snapshot of Ageism in the UK and

across Europe (2011), Age UK,

▪ Burnes.D, Sheppard. C, Henderson Jr,

C.R,Wassel.M, Cope. R, Barber,C. and

Pillemer, K. (2019) Interventions to

Reduce Ageism Against Older Adults: A

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis,

American Journal of Public Health,

109, pp,e1_e9

▪ Campaign to End Loneliness, The

Psychology of Loneliness (2020)

▪ Dykstra,P.A. & Fleischmann,M. (2016)

Cross – age friendship in 25 European

countries. Studi di Sociologia.LV(2),

(2016),pp.107-125.

▪ Eliza L.Y. Wong, Janice Y.C. Lau & Eng-

Kiong Yeoh (2018) Thinking

intergenerationally: intergenerational

solidarity, health and active aging in Hong

Kong, Journal of Intergenerational

Relationships, 16 (4), pp.478-492

▪ Elliot O'Dare, C., Timonen, V., & Conlon,

C. (2019). Intergenerational friendships of

older adults: Why do we know so little

about them? Ageing and Society, 39(1),

pp.1-16. doi:10.1017/S0144686X17000800

▪ Generations United, Piecing It Together

Report (2019)

▪ Haosen Sun & Markus H. Schafer, (2019)

Age integration in older Europeans’ non-

kin core networks: Does formal social

participation play a role?,"European Journal

of Ageing, Springer,16(4), pp.455-472,

December.

▪ Hock, N. & Mickus, M. (2019) An

Intergenerational Residential Model for

Elders and Students. Journal of

Intergenerational Relationships, 17 (3),

pp.380-387,

▪ McLaren, J. (2020) An Index of Social and

Economic Well-being (ISEW) across 32

OECD countries - 2006 to 2018

▪ Moretto, Nicole, Comans, Tracy A., Harris,

Paul, Wu, Cathy and Vecchio, Nerina

(2019). Economic Evaluation of the

Intergenerational Care Project: Final

Report. Centre for Health Services

Research, University of Queensland,

Brisbane.

▪ National Improvement Framework and

Improvement Plan: 2020, (2019) Scottish

Government,

▪ Nemoto. Y, Kuraoka. M, Nonaka.

K, Tanaka. M, Murayama. S, Matsunaga.

H, Yasunaga.M, Kobayashi.E, Murayama.H,

Watanabe.S, Inaba. Y, Fujiwara. Y. (2008)

The relationship between intra- and inter-

generational exchange and mental health

among young and older adults. Japanese

Journal of Public Health, 65 (12), pp.719-

729.

▪ Scottish Government (2010), Demographic

Change in Scotland

▪ Towards a robust, resilient wellbeing

economy for Scotland (2002), Advisory

Group on Economic Recovery

▪ Victor C. (2011) ‘Loneliness in old age: the

UK Perspective’ Safeguarding the Convoy:

a call to action from the Campaign to End

Loneliness, Oxford: Age UK Oxfordshire.

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